State Rep. Phil Hinkle accused of trying to set up tryst with man through email

INDIANAPOLIS - It was unclear Friday whether state Rep. Phil Hinkle, R-Indianapolis, would resign after reports indicated he offered a man as much as $130 "for a really good time."

According to emails from the young man's family, Hinkle responded to a Craigslist advertisement from an 18-year-old man seeking a "sugga daddy," and met the man in a hotel room. The emails were given to The Indianapolis Star and reported Friday.

Hinkle, who is 64 and was first elected in 2000, voted this spring for a constitutional ban on gay marriage. Several years ago he also was the House sponsor of the measure that created Indiana's "In God We Trust" license plates.

He has also played a prominent role in local government reform debates in recent years, since he chairs the House committee that handles the topic.

Gov. Mitch Daniels said he was bothered by the news, but did not call on Hinkle to resign.

"It's not for me to say, it's between him and his constituents. It's just a personal, a family tragedy, and I'm sad about that," Daniels said.

In a statement, House Speaker Brian Bosma, also an Indianapolis Republican, said he intended to speak with Hinkle about his future.

"If the circumstances are as reported, it is an extremely sad and disappointing situation for all of us, especially the families involved. Our next step will be to try to discuss this matter with Rep. Hinkle and chart a course from there," Bosma said.

The man Hinkle reportedly met is Kameryn Gibson. When Gibson learned of Hinkle's status as a state lawmaker, the two were already in a JW Marriott hotel room. Gibson told the newspaper he'd told Hinkle he wanted to leave, but Hinkle tried to stop him.

The lawmaker dropped his towel to expose himself and grabbed the man's rear end, Gibson said.

Later, Gibson said, Hinkle offered Gibson his iPad, his BlackBerry and $100 to keep Gibson from speaking with police and media.

Hinkle's family, according to the report, also later offered $10,000 to keep Gibson quiet.

Hinkle told The Star that he was "aware of a shakedown taking place," but neither he nor his attorney would comment further. It was not immediately clear whether Hinkle would resign.